Pneumatic tube system terminal and method

ABSTRACT

A pneumatic transport system including a user terminal at a service provider station having a movable member operably connected with a flexible drive member. The drive member moves within at least one side rail to vertically displace the movable member to permit access to a carrier at the user terminal. The user terminal includes control mechanisms on opposite sides of a base to enable two users to operate and access the carrier at the user terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of ProvisionalApplication 60/619,480 filed Oct. 15, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to pneumatic tube transaction systemsand more specifically to the construction and operation of a userterminal operated in conjunction with a transaction system.

BACKGROUND ART

Pneumatic tube transfer systems may be used to carry out transactions.Such systems may be used to conduct transactions between a serviceprovider and customers at remote locations. Such systems may be used indrive-through banking applications as well as in other transactionenvironments.

Pneumatic tube systems provide a fast and convenient way of handlingcustomer transactions. In a typical pneumatic tube system, a customerstation is positioned at a distant location from the service providerstation in a bank or other institution. A teller or other serviceprovider is positioned at a service provider station located within thebank. A pneumatic carrier is employed and moved through a tube bydifferential air pressure to send cash, checks, or other items that maybe housed in the carrier between the service provider and the customer.The carrier is accessed by the customer at a remote terminal. Thecarrier is accessed by the service provider at a service providerterminal.

Service provider terminals are often arranged so that only a singleteller or other service provider at a time may readily access a carrierat a service provider terminal. This can present drawbacks in use of thesame terminal by multiple service providers. This can also limit optionsfor configurations of service provider areas and limit efficiency.Service provider terminals may also benefit from improvements inconstruction and methods of operation.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention toprovide an apparatus through which a customer may conduct a transactionwith a remote service provider.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal adapted for use by a serviceprovider to send and receive a carrier that is movable responsive to airpressure.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal that is by two users.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having ergonomic features thatfacilitate ease of use.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having a movable tubular memberadapted for vertical displacement to provide access to an opening in theuser terminal.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having a movable member that allowsa user to view a carrier in the user terminal through the member.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having a flexible drive tape memberfor achieving coordinated movement of the movable member.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having a guide block in a basemember in which a flexible drive tape member is slidably engaged.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having a pair of side rails toguide and support the movement of the movable member.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having a rodless cylinder or othermoving drive member to guide and support the movement of a movablemember.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having telescoping members to allowaccess to a carrier through an opening in the user terminal.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a pneumatic transfer apparatus including a userterminal, a transport tube, a blower, a remote terminal, and a carrier.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a user terminal having members with sealingsurfaces to control air passage from the tube ahead of a moving carrierin a pneumatic transport system.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a method for operation of a user terminal of apneumatic tube system.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention willbe made apparent in the following Best Modes For Carrying Out Inventionand the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by asystem in which a pneumatic transfer apparatus operates to transfer acarrier through a transfer tube responsive to differential air pressurebetween a remote terminal located at a customer station and a userterminal located at a service provider station.

The exemplary user terminal includes a body having an opening in fluidcommunication with the transfer tube. In the exemplary embodiment, theuser terminal includes a tubular member that is selectively movablebetween a closed position in which a lower end of the tubular member isadjacent a base, and an open position in which the lower end isvertically displaced from the base. A drive extending within the baseoperates to cause the selective movement of the movable member.

In the exemplary embodiment, the movable member is operatively connectedto a flexible drive tape that is slidably engaged with a first siderail. The flexible drive tape includes apertures or slots therein forengagement with a toothed sprocket that operates responsive to thedrive. In one exemplary embodiment, the first side rail has an elongatedpassageway therein. The flexible drive tape is adapted for slidablesupported movement within the elongated passageway of the first siderail.

In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible drive tape has a lengthsufficient to extend alongside the movable member in a first side rail,through an arcuate channel extending in the base member, and into asecond side rail disposed from the first side rail. A first portion ofthe flexible drive tape is operatively connected to the movable member.A second portion of the flexible drive tape moves in the base, and anextension portion includes a free distal end of the flexible drive tapewhich moves in the second side rail.

In the exemplary embodiment, the base of the user terminal includes twomanually actuatable control mechanisms situated on opposite sides of thebase. The control mechanisms enable two users situated on opposite sidesof the terminal to independently operate the user terminal and controlthe system. The disposed side rails of the exemplary embodiment allowfor access to the opening in the user terminal by users positioned onopposite sides. For example, the exemplary user terminal may be easilyoperated and accessed by two users arranged in side-by-side relationshipat a service provider station with the user terminal situated betweenthem.

In the exemplary embodiment, the base includes inclined faces with thecontrol mechanisms accessible thereon to facilitate user operation. Theexemplary embodiment of the user terminal also includes a resilientarrival pad and has ergonomic properties that facilitate pneumaticcarrier placement and removal.

In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier is moved from a tube into anopening in the body of the user terminal via pneumatic pressure forcesacting on the carrier. A user operates a control mechanism to cause thedrive sprocket located in the base to rotate about its axis. Successiveradially-extending teeth of the drive sprocket engage successiveapertures in a flexible drive tape and move the tape member. Theflexible drive tape is operatively connected to the movable member andis guided and supported in a side rail. The drive sprocket rotates in afirst direction to vertically dispose the lower end of the movablemember away from the base. As the movable member is verticallydisplaced, at least a portion of a stationary upper member telescopesinto the interior of the movable member. When the movable member isdisposed away from the base and moves to an open position, the carrieris accessible to the user through the opening created by the upwardmovement of the moveable member. The carrier can then be removed fromits position in supporting connection with the base. The serviceprovider may then remove items from and/or add items to the carrier forpurposes of carrying out a transaction.

In order to send the carrier from the user terminal to a remoteterminal, a user positions the carrier within the opening in the userterminal. The carrier engages the stationary upper member such that afluid seal is formed between the carrier and an annular seal thereon andan inner wall of the upper member. The carrier is then pneumaticallytransported to the remote terminal through a tube by differential airpressure produced via operation of at least one blower.

Before the carrier is again moved from the customer terminal to the userterminal the system operates responsive to user input to at least onecontrol mechanism to cause the drive to rotate the drive sprocket in theopposite direction to that when the movable member is being opened. Thedrive tape member moves in response to the drive sprocket and therebycauses the lower end of the movable member to be vertically moved towardthe base. A resilient arrival pad on the base and a sealing surface onthe movable member cooperate to form a generally airtight seal betweenthe stationary member, movable member and the base. The carrier is thenmoved to adjacent the user terminal through operation of at least oneblower. The carrier falls into the interior of the user terminal withits descent being slowed by the generally airtight seal creating agenerally cushioning column of air below the carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a userterminal with a movable member, in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the userterminal shown in FIG. 1, with the movable member in the open position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the userterminal shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the userterminal shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a guide blockfor use in an exemplary user terminal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the guide block shown in FIG. 5additionally showing an operative arrangement of a drive tape member anda drive sprocket.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a movablemember in operative engagement with the drive tape member shown in FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the movable member showing a guide tape.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing first and second side rails.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second side railstaken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a pneumatic transport system illustrating theexemplary user terminal.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary carrier.

FIG. 13 is a partial top view of a service provider station showing anexemplary embodiment of the user terminal.

FIG. 14 is a front view, partially in cross-section, of an alternateembodiment of a user terminal.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary service provideruser terminal 10 that is adapted to send and receive a carrier that ismovable in response to air pressure through a transport tube as will bediscussed in further detail below.

User terminal 10 includes a body 12 having an opening 14 therein throughwhich a carrier may be sent and received. User terminal 10 includes amovable member 16 and a stationary upper member 18. In an exemplaryembodiment both the movable member and stationary member are generallycylindrical. In other embodiments other configurations may be used.

In one exemplary embodiment, body 12 has in fixed supporting connectiontherewith first and second side rails 20, 22 extending vertically indisposed relation from a base 24. A cap member 28 is positioned adjacentfirst and second side rails 20, 22 at a position vertically disposedfrom base member 24.

Movable member 16 is operative to selectively move in a verticaldirection toward and away from base member 24. The closed position ofmovable member 16 is defined as when movable member 16 is in itslowermost position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The open position ofmovable member 16 is defined as when movable member 16 is in itsuppermost position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the exemplaryembodiment, the opening 14 in body 12, and any carrier 29 (shown inphantom) held therein, is not accessible by a user when the movablemember 16 is in the closed position.

In an exemplary embodiment, base 24 includes a manually actuatablecontrol mechanism 34 operable to control movement of movable member 16between the closed and open positions. Control mechanism 34 is furtheroperable to cause a carrier 29 to be sent from or received at userterminal 10. In an exemplary embodiment, user terminal 10 includes twocontrol mechanisms 34, 34′ situated in recessed areas on opposing sidesof base 24.

Base 24 of the exemplary embodiment is dimensioned for ergonomic ease ofuse by one or two adjacent users. For example, a face 35 of the basemember 24 is inclined and angled upward so that the control mechanism 34may be easily manually accessed. An opposite face 35′ is similarlyinclined so that an additional control mechanism 34′ may be easilyaccessed and operated.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, exemplary base 24 further includesa resilient member or arrival pad 36 operable to partially cushion thelanding of a carrier as it traverses through the opening 14 of body 12.In an exemplary embodiment, the arrival pad includes a raised area toprovide a resilient force absorbing portion that protects the carrierand its contents from excessive impact force upon arrival at the userterminal. Arrival pad 36 is further operable to cooperate with a sealingsurface 37 on a lower end of movable member 16 to create a generallyairtight seal when the movable member 16 is in the closed position. Theseal helps to provide a generally controlled release of air from theterminal ahead of a carrier at the user terminal. This controlled airrelease cushions and limits the speed of a carrier as it arrives in theuser terminal.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this exemplary embodiment, movable member16 is movable relative to side rails 20, 22. Upper member 18 (not shownin this view) and movable member 16 are dimensioned so that in theexemplary embodiment at least a portion of upper member 18 telescopeswith and moves in overlapping relation with the movable member 16 asmovable member 16 moves from the closed position to the open position.In the exemplary embodiment, movable member 16 and at least thetelescoping portion of upper member 18 are circular in cross-section,although other configurations may be used in other embodiments. In theexemplary embodiment, at least one movable member 16 is formed oftransparent or translucent material in order to allow a user to view acarrier that is positioned within the user terminal 10 when movablemember 16 is in the closed position.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in an exemplary embodiment, cap member 28includes bracket 38 for holding upper member 18 and first and secondside rails 20, 22 in operative alignment.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-6, base 24 includes a guide block 40 having anarcuate or U-shaped channel 42 therein. Channel 42 includes an openexpanded region 50 including a drive slot 52.

In this exemplary embodiment, base 24 has extending therein a rotatabledrive sprocket 44, in operative connection with a drive. The exemplarydrive comprises a reversible electric motor or other suitable device forselectively rotating the drive sprocket. As best seen in FIG. 6, drivesprocket 44 includes a plurality of radially-extending projections orteeth 46. Drive sprocket 44 is situated in base 24 so that as it rotatesabout its axis successive teeth 46 enter expanded region 50 of channel42. Drive slot 52 provides sufficient clearance for teeth 46 as drivesprocket 44 rotates. In the exemplary embodiment, drive sprocket 44 isoperative to rotate responsive to one or more manual user inputs tocontrol mechanisms 34, 34′. Control mechanisms 34 and 34′ may includeswitches or other controls which are in operative connection withsuitable control circuitry 53 to cause selective rotation of thesprocket. The control circuitry may include in some embodiments suitableprocessor based circuitry and in other embodiments may include relaylogic. Various approaches may be used.

The exemplary flexible drive tape member 54 comprises an elongated body55 having a plurality of engageable apertures which are alternativelyreferred to herein as slots 56 therein. Slots 56 are dimensioned toreceive teeth 46 of drive sprocket 44. Drive tape member 54 is operablyassociated with drive sprocket 44 so that as drive sprocket 44 isrotated, successive teeth 46 are engaged in successive slots 56 to causemovement of drive tape member 54 and controlled movement of moveablemember 16, as will be explained in further detail below.

With reference to FIG. 7, in the exemplary embodiment drive tape member54 is in operative connection with movable member 16. Drive tape member54 includes a first portion 60, a second portion 64, and an extensionportion 66. First portion 60 includes that portion of drive tape member54 extending along the length of moveable member 16. Second portion 64includes that portion of drive tape member 54 that moves into and out ofguide block 40 responsive to movement of the drive mechanism and drivesprocket 44. Extension portion 66 includes a free distal end 70 of drivetape member 54.

With reference to FIG. 8, in the exemplary embodiment, a guide tapemember portion 72 is operably connected to movable member 16 at aposition opposed to the position of drive tape member 54. Guide tapemember portion 72 may be similar in construction to drive tape member54. However, the guide tape member portion operates to guide movement ofmovable member 16, not drive its movement. In an exemplary embodiment,guide tape member portion 72 is slidably operatively connected insupporting connection with second side rail 22.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, in the exemplary embodiment,drive tape member 54 is operatively attached to movable member 16 viaone or more fasteners 76. In an exemplary embodiment, two sets ofoppositely situated fasteners 76 are utilized. In the exemplaryembodiment, a mounting member 80 is mounted adjacent the movable member16 and is generally situated between movable member 16 and a firstportion 60 of flexible drive tape member 54.

With reference to FIG. 9, in the exemplary embodiment, first and secondside rails 20, 22 are substantially identical in construction, althoughother configurations may be used. In the exemplary embodiment, the siderails have the cross-sectional configurations as illustrated in FIG. 10.The first side rail includes an elongated passageway 82 having a widenedportion 84 dimensioned to receive drive tape member 54 in slidablesupporting engagement therein. In the exemplary embodiment, thepassageway 82 includes a narrowed slot portion 86 opening though aninward-facing wall 90 of first side rail 20. First side rail 20 furtherincludes an elongated passage 92 therein which may be adapted to housewiring and/or other components (not shown). Second side rail 20 mayinclude a similar elongated passage 92′. Narrowed slot portion 86 ofside rail 20 is adapted to accommodate movement of fasteners 76 thereinas drive tape member 54 slides relative to side rail 20. In theexemplary embodiment the side rails are each of unitary construction,and are formed through an extrusion process.

In the exemplary embodiment, second side rail 22 includes an elongatedpassageway 82′ dimensioned to receive guide tape member 72 in slidableengagement therein. Second side rail 22 further includes an elongatedchannel 94 therein which is dimensioned to receive extension portion 66including distal end 70 of drive tape member 54 in slidable supportingengagement therein.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 9, and 10, when first side rail 20 issituated in operative engagement with base 24, passageway 82 is inoperative aligned communication with channel 42. Drive tape member 54 isthus movable within first side rail 20 and within channel 42. Whensecond side rail 22 is situated in engagement with base member 24,elongated channel 94 is in operative aligned relation with channel 42.Thus, drive tape member 54 is further movable within elongated channel94. Drive tape member 54 extends in length beyond the lower end ofmovable member 16 and into channel 42 for operative engagement withdrive sprocket 44. The distal end 70 of the drive tape member 54 is freeto move within elongated channel 94. Guide tape member 54 is operablyslidably engaged in passageway 82′.

With reference to FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, user terminal 10is operable as part of a transaction system, shown generally at 100. Thetransaction system 100 includes a service provider station, showngenerally at 102, and a customer station, shown generally at 104. In anexemplary embodiment, the service provider station is positioned withina transaction facility such as a bank, casino, pharmacy or store.Transaction system 100 is of an exemplary configuration. Otherconfigurations of transaction systems and components thereof are shownin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,672,808; 6,146,057; 5,735,644; and 5,299,891 andapplication Ser. No. 08/889,033 filed Jul. 7, 1997 the disclosures ofeach of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary user terminal 10 is operatively connected to remote terminal106 by a pneumatic tube transfer conduit 108. The pneumatic tubetransfer conduit 108 includes a first generally vertically extending legportion 110 which is adjacent to and in communication with the userterminal 10. The second generally vertically extending leg portion 112is adjacent to and in communication with the remote terminal 104. Atransversely extending portion 116 extends generally horizontallybetween the first and second leg portions 110, 112. The transverseportion 116 is connected to the vertically extending leg portionsthrough radiused bends in the conduit which are radiused to enable thepassage of a pneumatic carrier therethrough between user terminal 10 andremote terminal 106. Remote terminal 106 may be similar in constructionto those customer terminals of the incorporated disclosures. In someembodiments the customer terminal may be similar to the user terminaldisclosed herein. Remote terminal 106 is operable to allow a customer toaccess a carrier and exchange items with a service provided at the userterminal.

In an exemplary embodiment a first blower 120 is fluidly connected totransfer conduit 108 (which is alternatively referred to herein as atransport tube) generally in the area above the remote terminal 106.Blower 120 may be selectively operated responsive to suitable electricalcontrol circuitry in operative connection with the control mechanisms onone or both terminals to draw negative pressure in the transfer conduitin the area generally above the remote terminal. Blower 120 furtherincludes suitable valving so that when the blower 120 is not operated,air is generally prevented from entering the transfer conduit 108through the blower 120. A blower 122 similar to blower 120 is connectedto the transfer conduit in the area generally above user terminal 10.Blower 122 may be selectively operated responsive to suitable controlcircuitry in operative connection with the control mechanisms on one orboth terminals to selectively produce negative pressure in the transferconduit above the user terminal 10. Like blower 120, when blower 122 isnot operating, air is generally prevented from entering the transferconduit through the blower.

In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier 29 of the type shown in FIG. 12 oralternatively of types shown in the incorporated disclosures is enabledto be selectively moved between user terminal 10 and remote terminal 106by the application of differential pressure produced in the transferconduit tube by blowers 120, 122. As shown in FIG. 12, an exemplarycarrier 29 includes a housing 130. The housing includes a first endmember 134 and a second end member 136. The first end member 134includes an annular resilient seal ring 140 supported thereon. Likewise,second end member 136 has an annular resilient seal ring 142 supportedthereon. The seal rings provide slidable and generally fluid tightengagement between the carrier housing and an interior wall of thestationary upper member 18 and the pneumatic tube as schematicallyindicated 144 in FIG. 12. The angular seal rings enable the carrier tobe moved in the tube through the application of a pressure differentialon opposite sides of the carrier.

With reference to FIG. 13, in the exemplary embodiment, service providerstation 102 enables two users to access and operate user terminal 10.Base member 24 includes dual control mechanisms 34, 34′. Theconstruction of user terminal 10 permits access to the interior of userterminal 10 from two directions as indicated by arrows 150, 152.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user terminal 10 is readily accessibleby two users who are positioned on opposed sides of the terminal. Thebody is situated so that each of the opposite faces of the base memberand their associated control mechanisms is directed respectively to oneof two users.

With the movable member in a closed position, the exemplary userterminal 10 is operable to receive a carrier 29 therein via thepneumatic terminal. When a carrier is in the terminal, as can beobserved through the clear movable member 16, a first user may operatethe control mechanism 34 to cause the drive sprocket 44 to rotate andthereby move the drive tape member 54. Successive slots 56 in the drivetape member are engaged by the radially-extending teeth 46 to slidablymove the drive tape member through the generally 180 degree turn ofguide block 40 and in the elongated passageway 82 of the first side rail20. The first portion 60 of drive tape member is operably secured tomovable member 16. Movement of the drive tape member in the first siderail causes coordinated movement of movable member 16. The lower end ofthe movable member is thus vertically displaced away from the basemember 24 as the movable member moves from the closed position to theopen position in response to the drive moving drive sprocket 44. As themovable member is vertically displaced, at least a portion of thestationary upper member 18 telescopes into the movable member 16. Withthe movable member in the open position so as to provide a useraccessible opening, the carrier in the exemplary embodiment can beremoved from between the side rails of the terminal. The contents of thecarrier can then be removed, content inserted, data output therefrom orother action taken by the service provider as appropriate for theparticular transaction.

When the user is ready to send the carrier 29 or a different carrier toa user at the other terminal, the carrier is placed by a user on thearrival pad 36, between the side rails. In this position the annularresilient seal ring on the upper portion of the carrier engages theinner wall of the stationary member in slidable but generally fluidtight relation. The control mechanism 34 is actuated, which causesoperation of a blower by control circuitry and causes the carrier to bemoved away from the terminal, through the tube to the opposite terminalvia air pressure.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the carrier is to be returned to theuser terminal 10 from the opposite terminal, a control mechanism isactivated either at the user terminal or the opposite terminal. Drivesprocket 44 then rotates responsive to activation of the controlmechanism to move the drive tape member 54 in an opposite direction. Thedrive tape member slides in the first side rail and in the guide blockto vertically move the lower end movable member toward the base member24, closing the opening at the user terminal. When the lower end of themovable member reaches the closed position the arrival pad cooperateswith the movable member to form a generally airtight seal. As themovable member moves into the closed position, an extension portion 66of the drive tape member slidably moves within elongated channel 94 ofsecond side rail 22. A blower is then operated by the control circuitryto cause the carrier to move in the tube to the area in the tube abovethe terminal 10. The carrier then descends into the terminal cushionedby the controlled release of air from the terminal. Once the carrier hasarrived in the user terminal the control mechanism can be activated tomove the movable member to the open position provide a user with accessto the carrier.

A second user may access and operate the exemplary user terminal 10 insimilar fashion using the oppositely located control mechanism. Thisenables another user to conduct transactions with a user at theterminal. This makes it easier for service providers to servicecustomers and speeds transactions.

FIG. 14 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a user terminal 10′.In this alternative embodiment the movable member 16′ is movable throughoperation of a different form of linear movement mechanism. Asillustrated, an exemplary linear movement mechanism includes a rodlesscylinder 160 comprising an elongated cylinder body 162, a piston 164reciprocally moveable within the cylinder body and a carriage 168coupled to piston 164. Movable member 16′ is secured to carriage 168 andis movable therewith in response to movement of piston 164. In thisalternative exemplary embodiment a suitable source of compressed air orother working fluid is provided for selectively moving the piston of thecylinder. Control mechanisms and/or control circuitry on the base are inoperative connection with suitable valves for selectively applying fluidpressure and moving the piston, and consequently the movable member,selectively between the open and closed positions.

In this exemplary embodiment the linear movement mechanism provides asingle support structure extending adjacent the movable member. Thisenables users positioned on opposed sides of the terminal to view andaccess the terminal for purposes of receiving and sending a carrier. Asin the case of the prior described exemplary embodiment, suitablemultiple control mechanisms may be provided on the base of the unit orelsewhere to facilitate control of the terminal and the transport ofcarriers responsive to manual inputs.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, other types of drive members maybe used for relatively moving the movable member and stationary member.Such moving devices may include for example, feed screws, rack andpinion gear arrangements and other types of drives and configurations.

Thus the exemplary apparatus and system achieve one or more of the abovestated objectives, eliminate the difficulties encountered in the use ofprior devices and systems, solve problems and attain one or more of thedesirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims, any feature described as a means of orperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the recitedfunction, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular featuresshown herein or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in theappended claims.

1. A method comprising: providing a user terminal having a body, thebody including an opening through which a carrier may be placed insupporting connection with the body and removed from supportingconnection with the body; a movable member, movable in supportingconnection with the body between an open position in which a carrier atthe terminal is accessible by a user through the opening and a closedposition in which a carrier at the terminal is not accessible by a userthrough the opening; a flexible drive tape member extending in the body,wherein the drive tape member is in operative connection with themovable member; and, a drive in operative connection with the drive tapemember, wherein the drive is selectively operative to cause the movablemember to move between the closed and open positions; receiving acarrier into the user terminal via movement of the carrier responsive toair pressure; and operating the drive to cause the movable member tomove from the closed position to the open position.
 2. A methodcomprising: moving a carrier in a tube responsive to air pressure;receiving the carrier in a user terminal in fluid communication with thetube, the user terminal having a body, the body including an openingthrough which a carrier may be taken from and received in the terminal;a movable member, movable in supporting connection with the body betweenan open position in which the carrier at the terminal is accessible by auser through the opening, and a closed position in which the carrier atthe terminal is not accessible by a user, wherein the carrier isreceived in the user terminal when the movable member is in the closedposition; a flexible drive tape member extending in the body, whereinthe drive tape member is in operative connection with the movablemember; and, a drive in operative connection with the drive tape member,wherein the drive is selectively operative to cause the movable memberto move between the closed and open positions; operating the driveresponsive to at least one user input, to move the movable member fromthe closed position into the open position, whereby a user is enabled toaccess the carrier.
 3. A method comprising: (a) moving a carrier in apneumatic tube responsive to air pressure away from a customer stationand toward a service provider station; (b) receiving the carrier at auser terminal of the service provider station, wherein the terminal isin operative connection with the tube, wherein the terminal includes abase, wherein the base includes a first control mechanism and a secondcontrol mechanism, wherein the first control mechanism and the secondcontrol mechanism are respectively arranged on opposite sides of thebase, wherein the first control mechanism is arranged to receive firstservice provider manual input from a first service provider positionedadjacent thereto in the service provider station, wherein the firstservice provider manual input causes movement of the movable member,wherein the second control mechanism is arranged to receive secondservice provider manual input from a second service provider positionedadjacent thereto in the service provider station, wherein the secondservice provider manual input causes movement of the movable member,wherein the service provider station is configured to enable a secondservice provider positioned adjacent the second control mechanism toprovide second service provider manual input to the second controlmechanism while a first service provider positioned adjacent the firstcontrol mechanism is able to provide first service provider manual inputto the first control mechanism, wherein the terminal includes an annularmovable member, wherein the annular movable member is vertically movablefrom a closed position to an open position, wherein in the open positiona carrier received at the terminal is accessible to both a first serviceprovider positioned adjacent the first control mechanism and a secondservice provider positioned adjacent the second control mechanism; (c)receiving either first service provider manual input at the firstcontrol mechanism or second service provider manual input at the secondcontrol mechanism; and (d) responsive to manual input received in (c),causing operation of a movement mechanism to vertically move the annularmovable member from the closed position to the open position.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein (c) includes: operating a linear movementmechanism in operative connection with the movable member.
 5. A methodcomprising: (a) moving a carrier in a tube responsive to air pressure;(b) receiving the carrier in a user terminal in operative connectionwith the tube; and (c) vertically displacing an annular movable memberfrom a closed position to an open position, including moving a flexibledrive tape member in operative connection with the annular movablemember, such that the carrier at the terminal is accessible to a userthrough an opening in the user terminal.
 6. The method of claim 5wherein the user terminal includes a stationary upper member, andwherein (c) includes causing at least a portion of the movable member tomove in telescoping relation with regard to the upper member.
 7. Themethod according to claim 3 wherein (c) includes moving a flexible drivetape member in operative connection with the movable member.
 8. Themethod according to claim 6 wherein the user terminal includes at leastone side rail, and wherein (c) includes moving the tape drive member insupporting connection with the at least one side rail.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 8 wherein the user terminal includes a pair of spacedside rails, and wherein in (c) the movable member moves in intermediaterelation of the spaced side rails.
 10. The method according to claim 9wherein in (c) the drive tape member moves in supporting connection witheach of the spaced side rails.
 11. The method according to claim 10wherein the user terminal includes a base and wherein in (c) the drivetape member moves through a generally 180 degree turn in the base. 12.The method according to claim 5 wherein the user terminal includes abase, wherein the base includes two disposed control mechanisms, whereineach control mechanism is adapted responsive to receiving at least onemanual input to cause movement of the movable member, and furthercomprising: (d) receiving at least one manual input through one of thecontrol mechanisms; wherein in (c) the movable member moves responsiveto the at least one manual input received in (d).
 13. The methodaccording to claim 12 and further comprising: (e) subsequent to (d),removing the carrier from the user terminal.
 14. The method according toclaim 13 and further comprising: (f) subsequent to (e), placing thecarrier in supporting connection with the user terminal; (g) subsequentto (f), receiving at least one manual input through one of the controlmechanisms; (h) responsive to the at least one manual input received in(g), causing the carrier to be moved from the user terminal and in thetube responsive to air pressure.
 15. The method according to claim 12wherein the two disposed control mechanisms are on opposed sides of thebase, wherein the two disposed control mechanisms comprise a firstcontrol mechanism and a second control mechanism, wherein the firstcontrol mechanism is accessible to a first user positioned on a firstside of the user terminal while the second control mechanism isaccessible to a second user positioned on a second side of the userterminal, wherein (d) includes either receiving at least one first usermanual input via the first control mechanism while the second controlmechanism is accessible to receive at least one manual input from asecond user positioned on a second side of the user terminal, orreceiving at least one second user manual input via the second controlmechanism while the first control mechanism is accessible to receive atleast one manual input from a first user positioned on a first side ofthe user terminal.
 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein themovable member is configured to enable a carrier to be seentherethrough, wherein (b) includes receiving the carrier in the userterminal while the movable member is in the closed position, wherein thecarrier is observable through the movable member by both a first userpositioned on a first side of the user terminal and a second userpositioned on a second side of the user terminal, wherein (d) includeseither receiving at least one first user manual input subsequent to thecarrier being observable by a first user positioned on a first side ofthe user terminal, or receiving at least one second user manual inputsubsequent to the carrier being observable by a second user positionedon a second side of the user terminal.
 17. The method according to claim5 wherein the user terminal is positioned in a service provider station,wherein the service provider station is located in either a bankfacility or a pharmacy facility, wherein the user terminal includes astationary upper member, wherein the user terminal includes at least onecontrol mechanism adapted to receive at least one manual input to causethe movable member to move in telescoping relation with regard to theupper member, and further comprising: (d) receiving at least one manualinput through a control mechanism of the user terminal; wherein in (c)the movable member moves in telescoping relation with regard to theupper member responsive to the at least one manual input received in(d), (e) subsequent to (c), removing the carrier from the user terminal.18. The method according to claim 5 wherein the user terminal comprisesa terminal of a service provider station, wherein the terminal includesa first control mechanism and a second control mechanism, wherein thesecond control mechanism is arranged opposite the first controlmechanism, wherein the first control mechanism is arranged to receivefrom a first service provider positioned adjacent thereto in the serviceprovider station, manual input causing movement of the movable member,wherein the second control mechanism is arranged to receive from asecond service provider positioned adjacent thereto in the serviceprovider station, manual input causing movement of the movable member,wherein (a) includes moving the carrier in a pneumatic tube away from acustomer station and toward the service provider station, wherein (b)includes receiving the carrier in the terminal of the service providerstation, wherein (c) includes telescopically moving the movable memberresponsive to either the first control mechanism receiving input from afirst service provider or the second control mechanism receiving inputfrom a second service provider.
 19. The method according to claim 5wherein (a) includes moving the carrier between a customer stationpositioned adjacent a customer drive-through lane and a service providerstation located inside a building.
 20. The method according to claim 5wherein the user terminal includes dual control mechanisms comprising afirst control mechanism and a second control mechanism respectivelyarranged on opposite sides of the user terminal, wherein the userterminal comprises an annular upper member, wherein the movable memberis telescopically movable relative to the upper member between a closedposition and an open position, wherein at least a portion of the movablemember is transparent enabling a user to determine whether a carrier isin the user terminal while the movable member is in the closed position,and further comprising: (d) prior to (c), receiving manual input ateither: the first control mechanism, or the second control mechanism,wherein (c) includes moving the movable member telescopically relativeto the upper member responsive to (d).
 21. The method according to claim4 wherein the linear movement mechanism includes a rodless cylinder,wherein (c) includes operating a rodless cylinder.
 22. The methodaccording to claim 3 wherein the service provider station is located ina bank building, wherein (a) includes moving the carrier in the bankbuilding.
 23. The method according to claim 3 wherein the serviceprovider station is located in a building, wherein (a) includes movingthe carrier away from a customer station positioned adjacent a customerdrive-through lane and toward a service provider station located insidethe building.
 24. The method according to claim 23 wherein the buildingincludes a bank, wherein (b) includes receiving the carrier at a serviceprovider station located inside the bank.
 25. The method according toclaim 23 wherein the building includes a pharmacy facility, wherein (b)includes receiving the carrier at a service provider station locatedinside the pharmacy facility.